MLB Rumors

Mets closer Bobby Parnell recorded a four-out save during the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Braves. Parnell allowed one hit and struck out two batters in 1 1/3 scoreless innings during a 4-3 win, securing his 10th save.

Parnell was called into the game with two outs in the eighth inning and the bases loaded. He worked out of the jam by getting Chris Johnson to strike out. 

"That's as big a save as he's had probably," manager Terry Collins said, per ESPN.

The Orioles have officially recalled pitcher Zach Britton for Tuesday's game against the Tigers.

The move was expected, as manager Buck Showalter confirmed Britton would start Monday. Britton has a 3.28 ERA in 11 starts at Triple-A Norfolk. He started one game in the majors this year, giving up six runs over six innings. Britton will oppose Justin Verlander. 

Tigers manager Jim Leyland said Tuesday before a game at home against the Orioles that designated hitter and former backstop Victor Martinez likely won't catch anymore, MLive.com reports. 

"I won't catch Victor unless it's some freak situation," Leyland promised. "I don't think [Alex] Avila being on the DL applies as a 'freak situation'."

V-Mart is struggling with the bat right now as he's gone 3 for 24 (.125) over his last seven games with a .179 on-base percentage. He's grounded into five double plays over that stretch. 

Mets starting pitcher Matt Harvey carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning during the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Braves, leading New York to a 4-3 win. The right-hander struck out a career-high 13, while allowing three runs on three hits and three walks in seven-plus innings.

Harvey (6-1) didn't allow a hit until Jason Heyward's fluke infield single leading off the seventh. Heyward hit a weak dribbler to the right side of the infield. First baseman Lucas Duda and Harvey converged on the baseball, leaving no one to cover first base. Harvey went back out for the eighth, but he loaded the bases before recording an out and was lifted for reliever LaTroy Hawkins. The Mets allowed all three of the inherited runners to score.

Harvey threw 74 of 116 pitches for strikes. Manager Terry Collins said he was prepared to let Harvey throw 130 pitches if he still had a no-hitter in the ninth inning.

Harvey, who has just one win in his last six starts, will be back on the hill Sunday at Philadelphia. He beat the Phillies April 8, allowing one run in seven innings.

Rangers first baseman Lance Berkman is in the lineup Tuesday against the Athletics.

Berkman missed two straight games but was not dealing with an injury. It was thought Berkman was getting an extra day of rest so he would be ready to play the field. Berkman will play first and hit fifth against Jarrod Parker. Berkman is hitting .266/.372/.393 in 214 at-bats. 

Twins outfielder Josh Willingham has returned to the starting lineup Tuesday against the White Sox.

Willingham had to sit out a few games with knee soreness, but the injury was not thought to be severe. Manager Ron Gardenhire said early Tuesday he expected Willingham to return and play left field. Willingham will hit fourth against White Sox starter Dylan Axelrod. He's hitting .211/.352/.411 in 209 at-bats. 

The Yankees recalled reliever Adam Warren from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Tuesday before a series against the Dodgers. Warren replaces Mark Teixeira on the active roster. 

Warren has a 3.12 ERA over 34 2/3 innings this season for the Yankees. He'll pitch in middle relief. 

The Yankees recalled outfielder Zoilo Almonte from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Tuesday before beginning a series against the Dodgers. The 24-year-old was batting .297 with six homers, 36 RBI and a .789 OPS over 68 games at Triple-A. 

Almonte, a switch-hitter, will be used as an extra outfielder off the bench and in pinch-running situations.

Rockies closer Rafael Betancourt (groin) threw 35 pitches in a side session Tuesday, according to The Denver Post. Betancourt, who said he felt "really good," will face hitters Friday.

The Rangers have placed infielder Jeff Baker on the disabled list with a sprained right thumb.

Baker has not played since June 12, and was hoping to return Wednesday. His thumb did not respond to a cortisone shot, prompting the move. He's eligible to return June 28. Baker is hitting .317/.391/.695 in 82 at-bats.